Staycation tips and ideas

MUMS have their mothers’ meet-ups and Facebook community groups, but did you know the dads have their very own festival?

Every year, DadFest – the only festival in the country for just fathers and their kids – takes place in Yorkshire.

During the festival at South Cliff Holiday Park, you can create your own campfire with your little ones or stargaze together.

For active families, there’s the opportunity to have a go at archery, bouncing on trampolines, crazy golf and high ropes.

Dads who want to take a seat and watch their kids play can head to the disco or a Forest School.

And if you love exploring the wilderness, there are even bat walks to head off on.

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Of course, you can expect arts and crafts sessions too and children’s entertainment.

For a laugh, make sure to catch the Regional Dad Dancing Championships at the festival, which will pick one dad as Yorkshire Dad Dancing Champion.

It’s not just dads though – other male figures including step-fathers, uncles and grandparents are welcome.

All of the activities are included in a festival ticket, as well as access to The Edge Aerial Adventure (high-ropes course), camping and parking.

There is food for purchase on site too but you can bring your own camp stove and prepare your own food.

Guests can use the holiday park’s facilities whilst staying, which include the Conservatory Restaurant and two bars.

There is also a fish and chip shop if you prefer a salty takeaway and a small shop.

The holiday park also boasts an outdoor playground, with nest swings, zip lines, climbing walls and a giant tower with slides.

And whilst you stay at the park and enjoy the festival, make the most of the coastal location as well.

The holiday park sits right by Bridlington South Beach, which is a huge stretch of golden sand, is dog-friendly, ideal for watersports and has fascinating low clay cliffs.

The festival was created by The Dads’ Network CIC which is for dads, father figures, male carers and their children and last year, it won the award for the ‘Best Small Event in the UK’ by the National Outdoor Events Association.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This unique festival gives dads and children the chance to connect with nature while enjoying fun activities that help develop new skills and strengthen family bonds.

“I had the privilege of taking part in the last DadFest and was hugely impressed by how well organised it was and by the wide variety of activities on offer.

“My daughter and I had a fantastic time, and I’m delighted to see the event return.”

DadFest organiser and founder of The Dads’ Network, Ian Blackwell, said: “DadFest started in Devon in 2014 and we ran our first DadFest in Bridlington in 2025.

“We are really pleased to be bringing our small, award-winning festival to East Yorkshire in partnership with East Riding Council and Rewilding Youth.

“The festival will also be bringing the renowned ‘Yorkshire Dad Dancing Championship’ – a hotly contested dance off by grooving dads, much to the sheer embarrassment of their kids.

“The winning dad in Yorkshire will take home the bragging rights as the Yorkshire Champ and will get free tickets to The World Dad Dancing Championships in Devon in September, along with a fetching trophy for the mantlepiece.”

DadFest will take place from 3pm on May 15 to May 17.

Tickets cost £112 per dad and one child, £122.50 per dad and two children or £132.50 per dad and three children.

For more family days out, here are the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free this Easter holidays.

Plus, the UK’s best campsite your kids will love – you get free theme park access and it’s just £25 to stay.

A GRADE-II listed plane hangar will soon get a new lease of life as a karting attraction.

Ever wanted to test out your racing skills or dreamt of being in Formula One? Well, a new venue opening near the Cotswolds will allow you to do just that.

Hangar 137 – a former plane hangar in Bicester, Oxfordshire – will be transformed by TeamSport to an indoor e-karting destination, following a recent £4million makeover.

The hangar was originally built in 1926 as a plane shed for the RAF between World War I and World War II.

Once TeamSport fits it out, the attraction will be an e-carting centre with two 500metre electric go-karting tracks across two levels.

In total, the attraction will span across 2,880sqm.

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Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion, said: “The practical completion of Hangar 137 in its centenary year is a significant achievement for the estate and a powerful example of what heritage regeneration can deliver.

“This 1926 Type A hangar was built at a defining moment in Britain’s aviation history.

“Our responsibility has been to protect that significance while ensuring the building can support a viable, modern commercial use.”

Gavin Adair, CEO, TeamSport added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have the keys to Hangar 137 and officially begin our journey at Bicester Motion.

“We’ll now start work on transforming this incredible historic hangar into a spectacular two-level indoor e-karting and entertainment centre that the whole community can enjoy.”

Bicester Motion, the team behind the new development, previously said that the attraction will be the “first automotive resort” in the UK.

When the proposal was submitted to the council, there were also plans to include a bowling zone, workshop and mezzanine viewing area for spectators.

The attraction will also be located at the edge of the Cotswolds with the picturesque town of Charlbury 30 minutes away.

In the town, visitors can explore Charlbury Museum which documents the history of the ancient market town.

And if you get thirsty, head to The Rose & Crown, which is a multi-time CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) award-winning pub.

The traditional and charming spot has a number of real ales, and often hosts live music events,

In other attractions news, here are 15 attractions in the UK that have £1 per person tickets from huge castles to kid-friendly museums.

Plus, one of London’s most popular free attractions is getting a massive £231million upgrade.

BUTLIN’S has launched a brand new darts attraction at all three of its resorts.

In partnership with the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), the JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy will allow kids to participate in darts sessions.

The JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy is included in all School Holiday Breaks and involves a two-hour session aimed at beginners and kids with some experience.

The session will be run by academy leaders, who will guide each player to improve their darts skills.

The leaders will also teach the kids the basics of the sport and give them the chance to play the interactive ABC darts game.

The academy is suitable for children aged eight to 16 and it is already open at the Minehead resort and will be available on all School Holiday Breaks from Easter at the Bognor Regis and Skegness resorts.

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Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s said: “If you’ve got the next Luke Littler or Beau Greaves at home, then our new JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy will be perfect on your next school holiday break.

“We’re always looking at ways to give our guests new experiences and with the huge rise in popularity of darts this new session is the perfect way for kids to get involved in the sport.

“And what’s best, this amazing new activity is included in the price of the break.”

Darren Barson from the Junior Darts Corporation, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Butlin’s.

“This partnership will give children a unique opportunity to learn a new sport while having fun during their holidays.”

Also this Easter holidays, between April 10 and 12, the three Butlin’s resorts will be hosting three-nights of birthday celebrations to mark 90 years since the first resort opened.

There will be fireworks with performances by the Redcoats alongside mascots Billy and Bonnie.

There will be a new Birthday Party Bingo in Reds as well, with themed games, dancing and a special moment when the number 90 is called out.

Adults can also enjoy special birthday cocktails as well.

A three-night birthday celebration break starts from £214 and includes all that you usually get from a Butlin’s break plus the Easter entertainment line up which includes The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling.

Godolphin added: “No one does it bigger and better than Butlin’s, and we’ve been proudly doing it for 90 years.

“A milestone this special deserves a Butlin’s style celebration to match.

“From the spectacular firework and laser display and incredible entertainment across the weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone across the three resorts.

“This weekend is not only dedicated to the memories made over the last nine decades at our resorts.

“We’re also looking to the future, and all the special moments that will be made at Butlin’s in the next 90 years.”

In other holiday resort news, these are 14 of the best holiday parks in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

Plus, we reveal the nine most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

IT’S been a month since Alan Carr lied his way to victory on The Traitors – and now, he’s bought his own Scottish castle.

He’s set to renovate it in his own TV show and right next door is a charming seaside town with its own holiday park.

On the Scottish border is Alan Carr‘s new £3.25million home – Ayton Castle.

He has signed a deal with Disney+ where he plans to transform his castle into a luxury hotel and spa.

The castle itself dates back to the 19th century and it is set across two floors – but also has a huge five-story tower.

Just four-minutes away from the castle is the seaside town of Eyemouth.

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The small town sits on the coast, it has a harbour filled with boats and visitors have mentioned seeing seals bobbing up and down too.

It also has a sandy beach that’s a popular spot for swimmers year-round.

With its proximity to the sea, expect some top-tier fish and chips.

Some of the top-rated chippies include The Heathers Restaurant, The Contented Sole and The Ship restaurant.

In Eyemouth, there’s also a Parkdean holiday park which has sweeping views across the coastline.

The site has an amusements and games room, outdoor play area, sports courts, kids’ club and live entertainment at Killies Lounge.

There’s also a newly furnished Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.

There are plenty of caravans and lodges to choose from which vary from two to three bedrooms – the largest can sleep up to eight guests.

All accommodation has a TV, kitchen and lots have incredible beach views.

At Parkdean Eyemouth, lodge holidays start from £254, caravan holidays start from £103, and touring starts from £12.

Just up the road from Eyemouth is a pretty fishing village called St Abbs.

It has a beautiful harbour and visitors should pop into the tiny cafe that sits just above the water.

The family-run Ebbcarrs Cafe serves up fresh local seafood, homemade bakes and local ales – which can all be enjoyed whilst watching the boats bob up and down.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The café itself is a delight. Think crusty baguettes overflowing with fresh seafood, a glass case brimming with homemade cakes, and prices that make you grin instead of wince.”

Another simply added: “Lovely cafe, in an equally lovely village.”

For those who want to head into the city, Edinburgh is an hour’s drive north of Eyemouth.

15-minutes south of Eyemouth and across the border is the small town of Berwick-upon-Tweed which is the happiest place to live in the UK.

The Guardian, who conducted the study, called Berwick an “overlooked jewel” and added “yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles.“

Berwick is at the top end of the Northumberland coastal path so it’s easy to explore the pretty coastline and see castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth.

Here’s the most popular Scottish city to visit in 2026 with Traitors castles and epic road trip route.

And one comedian found the UK’s friendliest town – ‘I didn’t meet a single person that wasn’t nice’.

WHILE prices for the most popular Mediterranean resorts keep ­rising, you can get the same ­turquoise seas, mountain drives and warm hospitality in Albania – for a fraction of the cost.

Visit in the shoulder season and you’ll enjoy golden light and near-empty beaches at an unhurried pace.

Flying in to capital Tirana makes a good start for a road trip to explore the country.

Pick up a hire car at the airport and within minutes you’re twisting through mountain passes, gliding along coastal bays and pulling over in centuries-old towns.

Highways are good, but off the main roads expect to be swerving around goats and making stunning switchback turns. It’s all part of the adventure.

Your first major stop is the Unesco World Heritage town of Berat.

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White Ottoman houses stack up the hillside like sugar cubes, their wooden shutters glinting in the sun, giving it the nickname “city of a thousand windows”.

You can stay inside the Berat castle walls, living among ancient ramparts while children play football in cobbled lanes and grandmothers sell olive oil at their doorsteps.

It feels like stepping into another century.

Just outside Berat lies Alpeta Winery, run by the Fiska family.

The vineyards grow local grape varieties and the owner, Peter, walks among the tables at dinner, greeting guests and sharing his stories of the vines.

The wine-tasting tour takes you through reds, whites and fruit brandy rakia, ­partnered with local cheeses and olive oil.

This is Albania’s farm-to-table story in full swing.

After this, most tourists seeking sun and sea will race to Saranda, but Vlora makes a brilliant, less crowded alternative.

From here, you’re just a short drive from the Green Coast, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.

Turquoise coves framed by pine-covered hills and crystal-clear shallows rival anywhere in the Med.

Back in the capital, Tirana surprises with its creative energy, street art and cafes.

Park in the vibrant Blloku district.

Once reserved for the elite, it’s now buzzing with nightlife, bars and restaurants.

The city is dotted with thousands of Cold War-era bunkers which have been cleverly repurposed into museums, cafes and art spaces.

Don’t miss Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2, immersive museums that give a striking insight into Albania’s communist past.

And be sure to climb the Pyramid of ­Tirana, a former communist landmark now converted into a lookout offering panoramic city views.

After dark, the city comes alive.

I went to Albania Night, and it is hands down one of the maddest immersive cultural shows I’ve experienced.

Guests can dress up in traditional ­Albanian outfits, dance until their feet nearly give out and become part of the ­performance.

Albania is evolving fast.

Live music, laughter and street-side festivities turn ­Tirana into a playground of culture and energy.

There are new coastal roads, boutique hotels are appearing in heritage towns — and word is starting to spread.

But key to its appeal is that it still feels under the radar.

Albania isn’t the “new Croatia” or the “next Greece”.

It’s got its own story — ­rugged, authentic and full of surprises.

From fortress towns perched on hillsides to empty coves by the sea, and from vineyard dinners to city nights that refuse to quit, you can have the kind of road trip that really stays with you.

If you’re chasing adventure, authenticity and excellent value for money, Albania is waiting, keys in the ignition.

NESTLED in the Yorkshire Dales, you will find a camping and glamping site with a twist.

Instead of your usual glamping pods, at Catgill Farm, you can stay in Moroccan and Alpine-themed pods.

For example, the Alpine-themed pod has a converted ski lift cart outside that is now a booth to sit and eat in.

The Moroccan-themed pod features sleek styling, with bold pinks and oranges and sleeps up to four people via a bunk bed and a double bed.

If you are travelling with your four-legged best friend, then there are options for you as well such as The Duck glamping pod, which has an enclosed outdoor area for your pooch to roam in.

Each of the glamping pods comes with its own private, log-fired hot tub as well.

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And for the evenings, you can set light to the fire pit for warmth and barbeques.

Fancy something a little more like camping but still a little refined? Then opt for one of the two luxury bell tents that sleep up to four people.

And of course, they all have views of the rolling Yorkshire Dales.

At night, guests can also make the most of stargazing as the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a designated dark skies area of the UK.

If you do have your own tent, then there is a campsite open between April and October as well, which features 34 electrical hookup pitches.

On-site there are also alpacas known to join morning yoga sessions and a playing field for letting off some steam.

As for facilities, there is everything you could need including modern shower blocks, a washing up area and even a small shop selling essentials such as air beds, coffee, milk and kindling.

If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, you can grab some food from Cat’s Kitchen which is onsite, serving up hot drinks and wood-fired pizzas.

When it comes to the local area, you’ll be surrounded by amazing walking and cycling routes (even the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes).

Just a short walk from the campsite itself, you will reach Bolton Abbey Station on the Embsay and Bolton Steam Railway line.

The station is in the style of the original Midland Railway from the 1800s and a ticket to travel to the half way station and back costs £17 per adult.

Not much further from the campsite, you will find the remains of Bolton Abbey which you can explore.

The site often hosts events as well like an Easter trail.

If you walk for 15 minutes from the glamping and campsite, you will reach the Devonshire Arms brasserie-style pub serving dishes such as sirloin steak and roast beef.

When you stay at Catgill Farm, you can also get 10 per cent off of Shipton Canal Boat Trips and also 10 per cent off of entry to Stump Cross Caverns.

Stays cost from £179.99 per night for one of the glamping pods or from £14 a night for a grass tent pitch.

For more inspiration on glamping sites in the UK, here’s the tiny UK glamping site named best in the UK by AA with cosy pods, treehouse and hot tubs.

Plus, UK glamping hotspot where you can enjoy breathtaking views from a vintage cheese vat turned hot tub.

I’M pretty much an Instagram influencer now, don’t you know.

I’ve spent the day snapping more than 330 photos — I won’t tell you what ­proportion of those were selfies — among the tulips.

And my grid is now filled with brightly-coloured buds below a stunning blue sky.

It’s thanks to Amsterdam’s tulip season that I’ve found this new calling.

The flowers are impossible not to take photos of, and each colour is more beautiful than the last.

I’m here at Tulip Farm De Tulperij, a family attraction that has been around for almost 100 years and sits about an hour’s drive out of central Amsterdam.

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It’s a busy day tour that I’m on: a stop at the farm, a canal trip and a visit to Keukenhof, the tulip gardens in Lisse — a veritable floral feast.

Arriving first at the farm, we are given a tour around the fields by owner Daan Jansze — and he certainly knows his tulips.

In his welcome, he tells us that the soil at this farm is extremely moist, with the water table just 60cm below the surface.

The tulips love this moist soil, and rows upon rows bloom each spring after being planted just before winter.

Daan is the third generation farmer of the land, and he points out his youngest son — hauling soil nearby — who will become the fourth generation to run the farm.

But before letting us loose in his field, Daan gives us some ground rules.

No walking through the beds, you’ve got to walk up and down.

And no picking the flowers. “Ok,” he says in his thick Dutch accent. “Now you can go take pictures for your Instagram.”

And we’re off.

My fellow tourists and I fling ourselves into the fields, fanning out between line after line of reds, pinks and yellows.

I won’t lie to you, it wasn’t quite fields as far as the eye could see.

But the long lines were definitely enough to keep us busy, and I got shot after shot of the bright flowers.

There were people of all ages in the field around me — mothers and daughters, couples, families and friends, all keen to make the most of the colourful setting.

And when we got tired of taking pictures of ourselves, we headed to the farm’s little cafe that sold everything from apple pie to tiny clog keychains.

It also led to a second shock of tulips, all lined up in a manicured garden.

Two hours later and we were back on the bus, heading off to board a canal boat.

Surrounded by about 50 other tourists, we lapped up the sunshine for an hour as we floated past the windmills, geese and their goslings, and Dutch locals who had also hit the water to make the most of the stunning May weather.

We then piled on to the bus again to head to our final stop — the Keukenhof Gardens.

Like a botanic gardens on steroids, this tourist attraction is only open from March to May, completely dependent on the budding whims of the tulips.

This year, the season kicks off on March 19 and continues until May 10.

With the droves of tourists, it almost felt like an adventure park.

And while it was certainly busy, I would heartily recommend going there.
Jaw-dropping displays

Even though we couldn’t quite get into the tulips like we did at the farm, the sheer effort it took to plant SEVEN MILLION bulbs to create this flower haven is impressive, to say the least.

The rows of tulips across the park are complemented by the stunning flower shows, with everything from orchids to ­lilies creating jaw-dropping displays.

By the end of the day, my photo reel is an explosion of colour and I’m almost (only almost) sick of flowers.

But I manage to summon up some energy and upload my pictures — and the “likes” come flooding in.

It might be too late for your own Insta career to take off, but now is the time to plan and book a trip like this.

The tulip season is short, so tours sell out pretty quick. Happy snapping!

PARIS is a city of style, from elegant patisseries and remarkable architecture to world-renowned fashion houses and chic travellers.

Better still, it’s just a hop across the Channel.

Time it right and you can travel on the Eurostar for £35 each way.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

FRANCE is officially the most-visited country in the world attracting 102million tourists in 2025.

And Paris is its beating heart.

Its rich history has included revolution and wartime occupation and it is one of the world’s capitals of art, fashion and culture.

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Paris also knows food and wine better than any other city and you can pick up a glass of very decent red wine for as little as €6.

There’s no better reason to visit than that.

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WHY pound the pavements when you can whizz about in an old- fashioned Citroen 2CV, poking your head from its roll-back sunroof to gawp at all the key landmarks?

The 2CV was France’s answer to the VW Beetle, often starring in post-war films.

Today, however, it is the main mode of transport for Vintage Car Tour Paris, which offers customisable itineraries led by locals.

For a brief few hours, I was taken back to glam 1950s Paris, ticking off the cobblestoned streets of Montmartre, cruising by the pretty courtyards of the Latin quarter and posing at top attractions seen in the movies.

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CLIMBING the steps to Montmartre’s star attraction, the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, is a must.

The view from the top is breathtaking and makes the steep climb worth it, although there is a funicular if you prefer.

It costs around €2. Like any big city, the area can attract a few individuals who prey on tourists for cash, so be wary if you’re climbing the main steps.

There is a quieter set of stairs to the left, where the funicular is, if you’re worried.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

THE famous Clown Bar, in the 11th arrondissement, is a foodie’s dream.

The menu features just six typically French dishes, enabling the kitchen to serve fresh ingredients — all of a very high quality.

The bistro’s signature item is its veal sweetbreads — succulent and rich, served with a parsnip puree, sauteed mushrooms and a veal gravy.

There are plenty of options for non-meat eaters, too.

I loved my Mediterranean red tuna starter — delicate, tangy and delicious, marinated and served raw like a ceviche in a pickled broth.

For a sophisticated setting, head to Kinugawa restaurant on the top floor of SAX hotel, not far from the Champ de Mars and with views of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.

The menu is Franco-Japanese, with its star dishes being melt-in-the-mouth miso-marinated black cod, Wagyu beef sliders and delicious lamb chops with garlic and rosemary, the best I’ve ever tasted.

I FANCY A DRINK…

YOU can’t go wrong with a cocktail at the Little Red Door in the trendy Marais district.

It is listed in the top 50 bars in the world and, despite its reputation for creating mind-bending beverages, the vibe is unpretentious.

Staff are happy to serve traditional cocktails alongside more creative options.

My first drink was the Cepe, which consisted of coffee, caramel and mezcal, which was a bit like having a boozy coffee with sparkling water. Amazingly, it worked.

Those after something light and refreshing should try the Aquaponie, a muddle of lemon, sweet clover and two different types of French vodka.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

IF you’re celebrating a special occasion, the 5H SAX Paris in the 7th arrondissement ticks every box.

Built in 1899, the property was once a telephone exchange, but today it houses a sumptuous spa and 118 rooms.

Mine featured traditional French windows overlooking a garden area where there’s a heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

For those on a tighter budget, the Hilton Garden Inn Paris La Villette is just a 45-minute drive from the airport and only 300 metres from the Metro, making for a perfect pitstop.